Fire Family Strong
"Supporting the heroes behind the heroes"
Pre-Marital Support Sessions for Fire Couples
The Pre-Marital Support Sessions for Fire Couples is a two-session program designed for engaged or newly married firefighter couples (married within the past year). Life in the fire service—marked by shift work, trauma exposure, and emotional strain—can put extra pressure on relationships.
These sessions provide a safe, structured space to strengthen communication, deepen connection, and build tools for long-term wellness. The program helps couples lay a strong foundation for a resilient, emotionally safe, and lasting fire marriage.
What You'll Gain
Build Connections
Connect with your partner, and other couples who understand the unique challenges of the firefighter couple
Gain Insights
Learn from professionals specializing in first responder families
Practical Tools for a Stronger Relationship
Gain actionable strategies for creating mutual understanding, lasting connections, and long-term wellness
Support for Managing Stress and Shifts
Get expert guidance for the unique stressors of firefighter families
A Safe Place for Honest Connection
Experience a supportive space where your experiences matter
At-a-Glance
Session Two: Oct. 29 at 6-8pm PT
Session Overview
Strengthen Your Partnership Before the Fire Life Tests It
Presenter: Rachelle Zemlok, PsyD
These Virtual Pre-Marital Support Sessions for Fire Couples are a free, online program created specifically for engaged or newly married firefighter couples. Fire life brings unique challenges—irregular schedules, emotional strain, and exposure to trauma—that can put pressure on even the strongest relationships. This program helps couples proactively build the skills and understanding needed to thrive together.
Through two customized, two-hour sessions led by licensed clinicians with fire family expertise, couples are guided through essential topics, including:
- Setting healthy expectations
- Navigating the emotional impact of trauma
- Improving communication
- Financial wellness
- Building a shared vision for life in the fire service
Delivered virtually to fit your schedule and location, these sessions offer a safe, supportive space to connect, grow, and prepare for the journey ahead.
Lay a strong foundation for a resilient, connected, and lasting fire marriage—right from the start.
Meet Your Facilitator
Rachelle Zemlok
PsyD
Dr. Rachelle Zemlok is a licensed clinical psychologist who focuses her practice on supporting first responders and their families. As the spouse of a firefighter herself, Dr. Zemlok brings both personal insight and clinical expertise to her work, bridging the gap between professional support and lived experience. She is passionate about equipping fire families with tools for emotional well-being, communication, and resilience. Dr. Zemlok is also a published author and national consultant, widely recognized for her advocacy and contributions to firefighter mental health.